As we begin to read the account of our grand adventure, it should be borne in mind that I do not pretend to know the entire story. Throughout my story there will be gaps—many gaps—for in the end this story remains only a description of my own encounters with the Rader and those people whose lives he darkened with his appearance in them. Thus, with the exception of a few places where I have put together general information, the story told here is entirely my personal experience.